Manchester United’s £55m offer for Mason Mount turned down and a £65m counter-proposal made.
The Stamford Bridge club have made a counter proposal of £65million to United and offered to hold face-to-face talks to find a resolution that will suit all parties.
United’s latest offer, comprised of a £50million guaranteed payment plus £5m in add-ons, was received by Chelsea on Friday afternoon.
That was turned down late on Friday night. Chelsea instantly countered with a £58million plus £7million deal, leaving the ball back in United’s court.
Old Trafford chiefs are very reluctant to pay any more for Mount, with indications on Friday afternoon that this would be their final offer.
United believe their new package is more than fair for a player in the final year of his contract. It therefore remains to be seen whether they are prepared to meet Chelsea officials in person to find a resolution.
Importantly, however, while there is not a will to pay any more for Mount, United maybe willing to negotiate on the finer details and structure of the deal.
Mount has been identified as one of Erik ten Hag’s priority targets.
A number of top European clubs are monitoring Mount’s future closely this summer. The clubs are ready to move in January if he does not sign for United this summer.
Mount can sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club at the turn of the year, a scenario that Chelsea are acutely aware of.
Munich’s interest is particularly interesting given they are managed by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who is a huge admirer of Mount.
As it stands there is little hope of Mount signing a new contract at Chelsea, despite the fact that Mauricio Pochettino – who officially starts work as new Chelsea boss next week – wants Mount to stay and play a major role in his team next season.
But with Chelsea’s primary goal this summer to offload players following last season’s £600million spending spree, Blues officials are understood to be coming round to the idea that finding a middle ground with United this summer is the best solution for all parties.